10 Best Camera Tripod Mounts
When you start looking to purchase a new tripod, you’ll notice thousands of tripods are available from different brands at different price points. The confusing part is that they serve unique purposes and use different tripod mounting heads or base plates, which give you a completely different shooting experience.
People often wonder whether their camera will support the chosen tripod or not! Likewise, they asked me to let them know the best way to mount the camera quickly without facing any hassle; that brings me to the topic of this post, what is the best camera tripod mount.
In this post, you’ll learn different types of tripod mount, though I’ve emphasized the quick-release camera mount. In the end, I’ve added a few tutorial videos from where you’ll learn how to connect your camera to the tripod using different tripod adapters. So, stay tuned till the end.
In a hurry?! Here are my top picks
TYPES OF CAMERA TRIPOD MOUNT
Before you head out to purchase one for your camera, have a close look at each type of quick-accessible camera tripod attachment option and note their advantages and disadvantages; then move ahead to the review part.
QUICK-RELEASE TRIPOD MOUNTS
The quick-release mounting system works with a quick-action locking mechanism, making the camera tripod attachment process super easy and quick. Here, you don’t need to screw the camera onto the tripod. Instead, you have to mount the camera on the quick release plate.
You’ll get a camera quick release plate and a quick-release clamp with the mounting system. The camera plate and quick release clamp need to be attached with respectively camera and tripod. After that, you can insert or remove the camera just by slipping it on the tripod top plate. The quick-action locking mechanism ensures the best safety, as well.
The best part of this standard type of quick release is auto-locking. When you press the quick release plate into the receiver, the lever snaps shut just that moment, preventing your camera from moving. You can remove the plate with ease only by unlocking the clip. Such an auto-locking tripod mount is a pretty nice convenience to have, though it overall supports fewer mounting accessories such as L-brackets.
ARCA SWISS TRIPOD MOUNTS
The Arca Swiss mount is another form of camera quick release system; that also works with the two-piece mechanism. The first piece is the Arca Swiss camera plate, where you mount the camera using a single standard screw of 1/4-20.
The second piece generally refers to the tripod base mount; that resides on the top of a tripod head.
The tripod plates have a double mounting point to fit the cameras with relatively larger and heavier lenses. So, almost all professional photographers prefer the Arca-Swiss quick release system; when they tend to use super-telephoto lenses.
The Arca-Swiss quick-release clamps are available in various formats, from a simple screw-knob clamp to the most advanced panning and sliding clamp; that helps in different photography such as panorama and macro photography.
The Arca-Swiss quick-release system is a huge time-saver because the Arca-Swiss receiver known as a baseplate works with multiple tripod heads. So, you don’t need to attach a new base plate at the time when you tend to switch tripod heads.
SCREW ADAPTERS
Almost all consumer and prosumer cameras could be mounted on all tripods using a 1/4 inch female thread, making the camera tripods universal. Here, you don’t need to use clamps; all you need is a matching screw to screw the camera directly onto the tripod.
The matching screw perfectly attaches to the tripod and camera. You have to make sure you’re using a matching screw and not tightening up the screws too much; otherwise, it could end up damaging the plate. Just tighten up the screw until the tripod and camera get fitted properly.
REVIEWS OF THE BEST CAMERA TRIPOD MOUNT
Have you decided which type will be the best for you? If yes, find the suitable one from the recommendation list; compare their features and specifications and lock the best deal.
1. MANFROTTO 323 RC2 CAMERA TRIPOD MOUNT ADAPTERS - BEST TRIPOD ADAPTER
PRODUCT DETAILS:
If you have two cameras but one tripod, you must know how long it takes to switch between the cameras. With this quick-release camera clip, it will take only a few seconds to go back and forth.
Another sweet spot of this mounting accessory is every part is well made of high-quality metal; even the ring on the mounting bolt and circlip that holds the mounting bolt seems to be heavy duty.
Most users have complained about the lack of a mounting bolt holder clip here. But I assure you that the bolt will never fall off when the mounting plate is not attached to a camera. Trust me. I've used this tripod mount.
The quick-release itself sturdily holds the plate. The quick-release lever never gets bumped accidentally due to the safety mechanism.
Moreover, when you tend to attach or detach a camera, the snapping sound of the clip will make you feel assured whether the action has been perfectly completed or not!
Another best part is the plate never obstructs the battery door; you can change the batteries without removing the plate.
This quick-release mounting kit comes relatively at a hefty price, but I believe nothing will go wrong while using this mounting system unless you are really rough with your camera.
What I liked about this TRIPOD MOUNT:
2. ULANZI CLAW QUICK - BEST TRIPOD QUICK RELEASE PLATE
PRODUCT DETAILS:
Are you a professional event shooter? Do you need to quickly switch your camera between the tripods to gimbals? If yes, then this quick-release mount is just meant for you.
Generally, we spend lots of time re-balancing the gimbals; the most annoying step to do; Right? This quick-release adapter surprisingly takes only around 10-12 seconds to connect different devices, such as tripod, stabilizer, slide rail, and so on.
It also has some nice safety features, like the non-slip mat, slide block lock, deadlock mode, and compressible mode. The anti-skid rubber pad on the mounting plate prevents your camera from getting scratched; while it slides on the mounting part. The slide lock avoids damaging the camera by accidental slip, whereas the remaining two safety features let you lock and unlock the top plate just with a single press.
It is just perfect for all run and gun action cameras, even for smartphones. It genuinely feels like a high-quality product; that you want to purchase.
What I liked about this CAMERA TRIPOD MOUNT:
Want to purchase more camera accessories apart from a camera tripod?
If yes, then check out my list of the must-have camera accessories in 2022.
3. CAMVATE QUICK RELEASE CAMERA TRIPOD MOUNT - BEST camera tripod attachment
PRODUCT DETAILS:
Did you like the first product I mentioned (Manfrotto mounting kit) but ignored it, seeing its hefty price? No worry, Camvate provides a good alternative for the Manfrotto quick-release mounting plate.
It has a perfect size and lightweight design for hand-held gimbals, well-built metal construction for the long run, and similar high-end specifications for fast mounting and top-notch safety.
The only thing is that the knob does not have enough clearance to turn it completely. So, it can be tricky to loosen up a tight mount or vice-versa, though you can add washers under it to get satisfying clearance for the lever work.
If you're looking for something that has OEM quality, multiple-functionality, and universal compatibility, the CAMVATE QR plate seems to be the one.
What I liked about this CAMERA TRIPOD MOUNT:
4. KONDOR BLUE MINI QUICK RELEASE PLATE FOR CAMERA TRIPOD MOUNT
PRODUCT DETAILS:
In our previous article, we had informed you about the dedicated action cameras with microphone attachments or the cameras with EVF. Many people asked me what to do to attach the external devices to the cameras; if someone is not ready for a new purchase.
Hence, the KONDOR BLUE mini camera quick release mounting kit is the best and easiest way. This quick-release adapter is just a game-changer; that helps you enhance compatibility and switch between different devices in no time.
Aside from mounting your camera on a tripod, you can use it to attach the camera to the Gimbal, magic arm, flash bracket, stabilizer, even with a video monitor, external LED light and microphone.
The package comes with 1/4" and 3/8" thread mount adapters and ARRI pin-compatible mount accessories. In addition, five anti-twist spacer plates are also available for separate purchasing.
If you want something for cold-shoe mounting or a small HD monitor and portkeys, these additional mounting features are the ones.
In the end, I must say; the entire mounting kit and the additional mounting accessories are genuinely amazing in terms of affordability, quality, and safety. You'll have no regrets about the purchase for sure.
What I liked about this TRIPOD MOUNT:
5. FOTASY 50 MM ARCA SWISS CAMERA TRIPOD MOUNTING ADAPTERS
PRODUCT DETAILS:
With this recommendation, I'm going to introduce the knob-based Arca Swiss QR clamp plate mounting accessories. I highly recommend using a relatively longer ARCA Swiss top plate, like this one, if you regularly use a long telephoto lens along with the camera body.
You must know how painful that task is when you try to balance such a setup on a gimbal. Here, the 50 mm long plate makes it easy to find the balance point.
The biggest advantage of this Arca-Swiss tripod mount is that you can slide the base plate without having to worry about mounting or dismounting anything.
It is overall a great option to buy for a medium to heavy-weight setup; that also has close to universal compatibility, durable build-quality, and a high level of precise stability.
What I liked about this CAMERA TRIPOD MOUNT:
6. NEEWER 38 MM ARCA SWISS CLAMP FOR TRIPOD MOUNTS
PRODUCT DETAILS:
Do you have a small travel-friendly tripod? Do you want to make it a bit more functional? This Arca Swiss QR DSLR camera mount plate is the solution I was looking for.
This fastest quick-release camera mount unit is simple and easy to adapt, even for beginners. It is nicely designed, not too small, not too big, just perfect for the tripods; that have 1/4-20 stud, small table type top head, or proprietary plates.
Though it is 38 mm long, the units also cost 4-5 times more than the previous but, it feels like a quality product, everything feels so smooth, and the fit and finish are just excellent.
What I liked about this CAMERA TRIPOD MOUNT:
7. HARWERREL 50 MM ARCA SWISS QR CLAMP FOR HEAVY-WEIGHT CAMERA MOUNTS
PRODUCT DETAILS:
When it comes to camera accessories, you can’t go for a hit or miss option keeping a budget in your mind. In this case, a few budget-minded folks, like the Harwerrel brand is the one, that you can trust.
Like others, it also has built-in 3 bubble levels to find correct shooting direction with ease, fast loading quick release base, and anti-skid lock to prevent the camera from an accidental drop.
The adapter jaws are adjustable; accept 38-42mm wide plates. The mounting unit itself is 50mm in length, like the first one; that means perfect for the heavy-lens setups and ball head tripods.
What I liked about this TRIPOD MOUNT:
8. FOTOCONIC CL-90N 50 MM ARCA SWISS QUICK RELEASE MOUNTS
PRODUCT DETAILS:
This one is another Arca Swiss-type quick release mechanism-based camera tripod mounting adapter; that works with different sized brackets. In addition, the smooth-going knob makes it super easy to mount the cameras on versatile connection brackets, ball head tripods, and other accessories.
Moreover, it provides an accurate leveling system for portrait and landscape shooting. It is well-made of Aluminum Alloy, whereas the anodic coating makes this metal equipment rust-resistant to enhance durability.
It’s a bit pricey, but the build quality, safety features, and compatibility, along with the brand value for your satisfaction, would be worth the money for sure.
What I liked about this QUICK RELEASE MOUNT:
9. PAMOWO CAMERA SCREW MOUNT SET
PRODUCT DETAILS:
The PAMOWO screw set comes in a pack of 26 bolts to use on multiple mounts, helping to make your camera compatible with most DSLR cameras, ball head tripods monopods, flashlights, and quick release mount plates.
The bolts are lightweight; made of rest-resistant Aluminum Alloy, making them sturdy and durable. The set of 26 bolts allows 1/4” to 3/8” conversion and vice-versa to accommodate with maximum camera stands and tripods.
What I liked about this SCREW MOUNT SET:
10. SUNMNS 1/4” to 3/8” CONVERTER SCREW ADAPTER MOUNT SET
PRODUCT DETAILS:
Checking the product highlights, you can understand it offers less mounting option than the previous; it only allows 1/4” to 3/8” conversion.
For the price, it’s offering enough, I think. If you’re a beginner, and you’re sure that you just want to restrict your practice season within 1/4” and 3/8” threaded devices, it’s the best affordable and efficient option to buy.
What I liked about this SCREW ADAPTER MOUNT SET:
HOW TO ATTACH A CAMERA TO TRIPOD?
It would be better; if you learn how to attach the camera to the tripod from tutorial videos instead of reading hundreds of steps and thousands of words.
I’ll be adding different videos for each type of tripod camera adapter. First, define what types of tripod attachment system you have and what types of attachment your camera will support; then, pay close attention to the particular videos.
If you still want to follow a written guide, you can go through our previous blog about How to Attach a Camera to a Tripod.
CONCLUSION
In this article, I’ve tried to cover a few of the best camera mounts, which get used widely. You may notice; I highlighted their pros and cons to help you decide the best one.
During searching, you may come across some good options; that you liked much, but having confusion about the compatibility or attachment techniques, you’re welcome to drop a comment below regarding this matter. I’ll try my best to clear up your doubts.
